Welcome to the Institute for Educational Research and Innovation Studies (IERIS)

Prof. Hope Pius Nudzor (PhD), Director, Institute for Educational Research and Innovation Studies

I am honoured to welcome you to the Institute for Educational Research and Innovation Studies (IERIS) at the University of Education (UEW), Winneba. As its Director, I lead a team of dedicated researchers, academics, and professionals who are passionate about advancing educational research, policy, and practice.

At IERIS, we recognise the critical role of education in driving national development, promoting social mobility, and fostering individual growth. Our mandate is to conduct cutting-edge research, provide innovative solutions, inform policy decisions, and enhance educational outcomes and quality.

The Institute comprises three centres, namely: the Centre for Educational Policy Studies (CEPS), the National Centre for Research into Basic Education (NCRIBE), and the Centre for School and Community Science and Technology Studies (SACOST).

CEPS was established in 2000 as an interdisciplinary research-led centre aimed at fostering a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between educational policy, research and practice at institutional, national, and international levels. The Centre analyses and develops evidence-based educational policies, with a focus on education reform, policy analysis, and education governance. Additionally, the Centre conducts policy-related research and offers opportunities for its staff to teach on graduate programmes at UEW, as well as to take on leading roles in the formulation and implementation of educational policies in Ghana and beyond.

NCRIBE was established in 2006 with the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service. The Centre was given a mandate to conduct evidence-based research into Basic Education, and to engage national and international audiences in best practices that promote basic education in Ghana. NCRIBE undertakes investigations into innovative approaches to basic education provision and delivery, emphasising improvement in learners’ outcomes, inclusive education, teacher professional development, innovative pedagogies, and teacher education. The Centre was also intended to serve as a Centre of Excellence, a documentation centre, and the primary point of reference on issues relating to basic education in Ghana.

SACOST was established in the year 2000 with the vision of promoting interdisciplinary research and development activities related to science and technology within and among indigenous, informal and formal manufacturing industries, aiming to enhance science and technology education in Ghana and throughout the African continent. The Centre’s mission is to cultivate relevant research competence, publication proficiency, and quality knowledge in professionals to enable them connect community and workplace science and technology with that of schools, particularly at the pre-university level. SACOST develops and implements innovative science and technology programmes, fostering hands-on learning, community engagement, and sustainable development.

Our research focus areas include, but are not limited to:

  • Educational policy studies with special reference to education reform, policy analysis, and education governance
  • Basic education research, especially for improving learning outcomes, inclusive education, teacher professional growth and effectiveness, school improvement and teacher education
  • Science and technology education in the areas of hands-on learning, community engagement, innovative pedagogies, STEM and STEAM education, and sustainable development
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Education, especially exploring AI's potential to enhance teaching, learning, and educational outcomes
  • Global Citizenship Education with the aim to fostering global awareness, cultural competence, and social responsibility
  • Social Justice and Human Rights Education geared towards promoting equity, inclusivity, and human rights in education
  • Educational Leadership with special focus and attention on developing effective leadership practices for educational institutions and systems
  • Continuing Professional Development: providing professional development opportunities for growth and competency acquisition for pre-service and in-service teachers.

To achieve our goals, we prioritise the following, among others:

  • Conducting high-quality research that informs educational policy and practice
  • Providing professional development opportunities for teachers, focusing on innovative pedagogies and best practices
  • Disseminating research findings through publications, workshops, and conferences to stakeholders, policymakers, and educators
  • Training and capacity-building for the teacher workforce, seminars, emphasizing teacher education, teacher time on task, teaching methods and practices, teacher effect variables, teacher professional growth, competency and effectiveness etc.

We invite educators, researchers, policymakers, development partners, and stakeholders to collaborate with us. We also welcome potential funders and donors who share our vision to support our research initiatives and projects. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of learners, educators, and communities.

Explore our website to learn about our Institute, our research initiatives, and the opportunities for collaboration with us.

If you wish to learn more about our work and potential collaboration opportunities, please do not hesitate to get in touch with me via email at hpnudzor@uew.edu.gh Alternatively, I could be contacted on Telephone on these numbers: +233 (0)505280782/558461964. I would be more than happy to discuss this further.

I thank you for visiting IERIS.

Prof. Hope Pius Nudzor (PhD)
Director, Institute for Educational Research and Innovation Studies

 

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